Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Early Signs and When to See a Doctor
2026-08-12
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yousef Binamer — استشاري
Nonmelanoma skin cancer is a group of skin cancers whose two most common forms are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer overall is among the most common cancers in the world: an estimated one in every three cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer. Early signs can look minor, such as a sore that does not heal, a rough patch, or a new bump that grows slowly, but they warrant medical examination.
What is nonmelanoma skin cancer?
Skin cancer falls into two broad groups: melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The latter is the more widespread and mainly includes two types. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 2 to 3 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun plays a major role among the factors linked to it, alongside other genetic and health-related factors.
What are the two main types of nonmelanoma skin cancer?
The two most common types are:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): It arises from the basal cells in the lower layer of the epidermis, usually grows slowly, and often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): It arises from the squamous cells in the upper layers of the epidermis and may appear as a rough patch or a sore that does not heal on sun-exposed areas.
Defining these two types simply helps in understanding the signs, but distinguishing them precisely — and telling them apart from benign conditions — rests with the doctor after an examination.
What does a Saudi study show about skin cancer patterns?
A study from a specialized Saudi center in Riyadh reviewed the medical records of cases diagnosed between 2003 and 2016, and was published in Annals of Saudi Medicine. Among its key findings across 279 cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer:
- The mean age at diagnosis was about 59 years.
- About 62% of patients were male.
- The head and neck were by far the most common location (about 80% of cases) — areas that are more exposed to the sun.
- Notably, about a quarter of cases were in people under the age of 50.
The study concluded that these two types are uncommon but not rare and are underreported in Saudi Arabia.
Does darker skin protect against skin cancer?
Darker skin contains more melanin, which provides partial protection against ultraviolet radiation and is linked to lower rates of these cancers. This protection reduces the risk but does not eliminate it, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Skin cancer can therefore affect people with darker skin, so prevention and attention to signs remain important for everyone.
Which signs are worth watching for?
Pay attention to any new skin change that does not go away. Signs worth showing to a doctor include:
- A sore or wound that does not heal within several weeks.
- A new bump that grows gradually, or a rough or scaly patch that persists.
- A spot that bleeds easily or crusts repeatedly.
- A spot or bump that changes in size, shape, or color.
Having one of these signs does not necessarily mean cancer — many skin changes are benign — but an examination is what clarifies their nature. Early evaluation lets the doctor determine whether the change needs follow-up.
How can you protect your skin from the sun?
Protection from ultraviolet radiation is a core part of caring for skin health. Its well-known basics (per the AAD and WHO) include:
- Seeking shade and avoiding direct exposure to the midday sun.
- Wearing protective clothing, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapplying it as needed.
- Avoiding tanning beds.
These practices apply across all skin tones.
When should you see a doctor?
See a dermatologist if you notice any of the following:
- A sore or wound that does not heal within a few weeks.
- A new bump or patch that grows or changes over time.
- A spot that bleeds or crusts repeatedly.
- A mole or spot that changes its shape, color, or size.
- Factors that call for more attention, such as heavy sun exposure or a previous history of skin conditions.
Early evaluation allows the doctor to determine whether the change needs follow-up or confirm that it is benign.
This content was medically reviewed by Dr. Yousef Binamer — Dermatology, Avant Clinics. Review date: 16 July 2026.
Source: A study from a specialized Saudi center on nonmelanoma skin cancer and its patterns (2003–2016), published in Annals of Saudi Medicine (2018) — DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.2018.21.01.1515
Frequently asked questions
Does skin cancer affect people with darker skin?
Yes, it can. Darker skin has more melanin, which offers partial protection against UV radiation, but this reduces the risk rather than eliminating it, so prevention and attention to the signs remain important for everyone.
What is the difference between basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma?
Both are nonmelanoma skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma arises from the lower layer of the epidermis and usually grows slowly, while squamous cell carcinoma arises from the upper layers and may appear as a rough patch or a non-healing sore. Precise distinction rests with the doctor.
Where does nonmelanoma skin cancer appear most often?
In a Saudi study of 279 cases, the head and neck were by far the most common location (about 80%) — areas that are more exposed to the sun than others.
Can skin cancer affect younger people too?
It is often diagnosed at older ages, but in the Saudi study about a quarter of cases were in people under 50, which means paying attention to the signs is useful at all ages.
Which signs should you watch for?
A sore that does not heal within weeks, a new growing bump, a persistent rough patch, or a spot that bleeds or changes in size, shape, or color. Many changes are benign, but an examination clarifies their nature.